13 Easy Salmon Dinners That Will Make You Fall in Love With Fish Night

If you think fish is hard to cook at home, these salmon dinners are about to change your mind. Salmon cooks fast, it is packed with protein and healthy fats, and it pairs with almost any flavor you love. From sticky glazes to cozy chowder and crispy tacos, there is something here for every taste and every busy night. Which recipe will turn your family into salmon fans? Let us see..

1. Sticky Maple Glazed Salmon, the Easiest of Salmon Dinners

This is the salmon recipe that wins over people who say they do not like fish. A simple glaze of maple syrup, soy sauce and garlic caramelizes on top in the oven, turning sticky, sweet and savory. The inside stays tender and flaky. It takes about twenty minutes from start to finish, so it is perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve it with rice and roasted vegetables.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, pepper, sesame seeds, green onions.

How to make it: Heat oven to 400 F and line a pan with foil. Whisk maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, garlic and paprika. Place salmon on the pan and season. Brush with half the glaze. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, brushing again halfway. Broil 1 to 2 minutes for a sticky finish. Top with sesame seeds.

2. Lemon Butter Baked Salmon (Simple Salmon Dinners Done Right)

Sometimes simple is best. Bright lemon, melted butter and garlic turn a plain fillet into something special in less than twenty minutes. Thin lemon slices on top keep the fish moist and add a pretty touch. Serve it with a green salad or roasted potatoes for an easy dinner that feels restaurant worthy. Quick poll: how do you like your salmon? A) Medium B) Well done C) Still deciding. It is the perfect start for anyone new to salmon dinners.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 3 tbsp melted butter, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 lemon (juice and slices), 1 tsp dried dill or parsley, salt and pepper.

How to make it: Heat oven to 400 F. Place salmon in a baking dish. Mix butter, garlic, lemon juice and dill and pour over the fish. Season with salt and pepper. Top with lemon slices. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until it flakes easily. Spoon the sauce over before serving.

3. Grilled Salmon With Asparagus

This is the kind of dinner that makes you feel good from the inside out. Salmon and asparagus cook side by side on the grill or in a grill pan with just olive oil, garlic and lemon. Add a scoop of rice and dinner is done. It is light, fresh and full of protein and nutrients. Perfect for anyone trying to eat healthier without giving up flavor. Grilled salmon dinners like this are light but filling.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 1 bunch asparagus trimmed, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp lemon zest, salt, pepper, lemon wedges, cooked rice.

How to make it: Heat grill to medium high. Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp oil, salt and pepper. Rub salmon with the rest of the oil, garlic, zest, salt and pepper. Grill salmon skin side down 6 to 8 minutes, then flip for 2 minutes. Grill asparagus 5 to 6 minutes. Serve with rice and lemon.

4. Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl

Better than takeout and ready in about twenty five minutes. Salmon is glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce, then served over rice with greens and a soft boiled egg. Every bite is sweet, salty and satisfying. Make extra sauce because you will want to drizzle it over everything in the bowl. Would you add A) avocado B) cucumber or C) pickled ginger? Bowl style salmon dinners are great for meal prep too.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp cornstarch, cooked rice, greens, 4 soft boiled eggs, sesame seeds.

How to make it: Simmer soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger and garlic. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water and cook until thick. Sear salmon 4 minutes per side. Brush with sauce. Serve over rice with greens, half an egg and sesame seeds.

5. Salmon Poke Bowl at Home

Poke bowls can cost a lot at restaurants, but they are easy to make at home. This version uses cooked salmon cubes, so it is great for anyone who is not into raw fish. Pile it on sushi rice with avocado, edamame, cucumber and a spicy mayo drizzle. It is colorful, fresh and so fun to build. Let everyone make their own bowl and pick their toppings.

You will need: 1 lb salmon cut into cubes, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 cups cooked sushi rice, 1 avocado, 1 cup edamame, 1 cucumber sliced, carrots, 3 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp sriracha, sesame seeds.

How to make it: Toss salmon cubes with soy sauce and sesame oil. Sear in a hot pan 3 to 4 minutes until just cooked. Mix mayo and sriracha. Fill bowls with rice and add salmon and vegetables. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds.

6. Creamy Tuscan Salmon

This one feels like date night at an Italian restaurant. Seared salmon sits in a creamy garlic sauce with sun dried tomatoes, spinach and parmesan. It looks fancy, but it is made in one pan in about twenty five minutes. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every bit of that sauce. Who would you cook this for? It is one of the most impressive salmon dinners for guests.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup parmesan, 2 cups baby spinach, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, pepper.

How to make it: Season and sear salmon in oil 4 minutes per side, then set aside. Melt butter, add garlic and tomatoes for 2 minutes. Pour in cream and seasoning and simmer. Stir in parmesan and spinach until wilted. Return salmon and spoon sauce over.

7. Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

One pan, almost no dishes, and a complete healthy dinner. Salmon roasts right next to broccoli, sweet potatoes and peppers, all seasoned with a simple honey garlic mix. The vegetables get a head start in the oven, then the salmon joins them for the last few minutes. It is the perfect plan for those nights when you are tired but still want something real to eat. Sheet pan salmon dinners save you time on cleanup.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sweet potato cubed, 1 red bell pepper, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp honey, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp paprika, salt, pepper.

How to make it: Heat oven to 425 F. Toss sweet potato with 1 tbsp oil and roast 15 minutes. Add broccoli and pepper with another 1 tbsp oil. Place salmon in the middle. Mix the rest of the oil, honey, garlic and paprika and brush on the salmon. Roast 12 more minutes.

8. Crispy Salmon Tacos (Fun Salmon Dinners for Taco Night)

Taco Tuesday just got healthier and tastier. Salmon is rubbed with smoky spices, seared until crispy, then flaked into warm tortillas. A crunchy lime slaw and a little creamy sauce make every bite pop. These tacos are fast, fresh and fun for the whole family. Which side are you on? A) Corn tortillas B) Flour tortillas. Tell us in the comments! Salmon dinners do not get more fun than taco night.

You will need: 1 lb salmon, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, 8 small tortillas, 2 cups shredded cabbage, juice of 2 limes, 1/4 cup sour cream, cilantro.

How to make it: Rub salmon with spices and salt. Sear in a hot oiled pan 4 minutes per side and flake. Toss cabbage with lime juice, salt and cilantro. Mix sour cream with a squeeze of lime. Warm tortillas and fill with salmon, slaw and sauce.

9. Honey Miso Glazed Salmon

If you love savory flavors, miso glazed salmon will become your new favorite. Miso paste mixed with honey and a little soy creates a rich, caramelized coating with deep umami flavor. It broils in under ten minutes. Serve it with greens, noodles or rice and a squeeze of lime. It tastes like it came from a fancy Japanese restaurant but costs a fraction of the price.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, green onions, lime wedges.

How to make it: Heat the broiler with a rack 6 inches from the heat. Whisk miso, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil and ginger. Brush over salmon on a lined pan. Broil 7 to 9 minutes until browned and flaky. Top with green onions and lime.

10. Juicy Salmon Burgers

Want a burger night that feels a little lighter? These salmon burgers are tender, juicy and full of flavor from Dijon, herbs and lemon. You can use fresh salmon or even canned salmon to save money. Serve them on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato and a quick lemon mayo. Kids often love them because they taste like a fun fish sandwich. Budget salmon dinners can start with a simple can of salmon.

You will need: 1 lb salmon (skin removed) finely chopped or 2 cans salmon, 1 egg, 1/2 cup panko, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 green onions, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, pepper, buns, lettuce, tomato, mayo.

How to make it: Mix salmon, egg, panko, mustard, onions, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Form 4 patties and chill 15 minutes. Cook in an oiled skillet 4 minutes per side until golden. Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato and lemon mayo.

11. Creamy Salmon Chowder

When the weather turns cold, this creamy salmon chowder is pure comfort. Potatoes, corn and tender salmon simmer in a rich, buttery broth with a little bacon for smoky flavor. It is hearty enough for dinner with a slice of toasted bread. Make a big pot on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch during the week. Is chowder a soup or a meal in your house? Cozy salmon dinners like this are made for cold nights.

You will need: 1 lb salmon cut in chunks, 4 slices bacon, 1 onion, 2 celery stalks, 2 cloves garlic, 3 tbsp flour, 3 cups chicken broth, 3 potatoes cubed, 1 cup corn, 1 cup half and half, 1 tsp dill, salt, pepper.

How to make it: Cook bacon and set aside. Saute onion, celery and garlic in the fat. Stir in flour, then broth and potatoes. Simmer 15 minutes. Add corn, salmon and half and half and simmer 6 minutes until the fish flakes. Add dill, crumble bacon on top.

12. Coconut Salmon Curry

This curry is warm, cozy and full of bright flavor. Chunks of salmon gently cook in a creamy coconut and tomato sauce with garlic, ginger and curry spices. It is mild enough for most people but you can add chili for extra heat. Serve it over rice or with warm flatbread. Quick poll: how spicy do you like it? A) Mild B) Medium C) Bring the heat. It brings big flavor to your weeknight salmon dinners.

You will need: 1.5 lb salmon cut into chunks, 1 tbsp oil, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 can coconut milk, 1 cup crushed tomatoes, salt, cilantro, rice.

How to make it: Saute onion in oil 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, curry powder and turmeric for 1 minute. Stir in coconut milk and tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes. Add salmon and cook 6 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and top with cilantro.

13. Crispy Skin Salmon to Top Off These Salmon Dinners

Learning to make perfectly crispy salmon skin is a total game changer. The trick is a dry fillet, a hot pan and patience. Do not move it until the skin releases on its own. The result is crackly, golden skin and juicy, tender fish inside. Serve it with sauteed greens and a squeeze of lemon. Once you try this, you will never toss salmon skin again. Thanks for cooking these salmon dinners with us. Love seafood? Try our seafood dinners next.

You will need: 4 skin on salmon fillets, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp butter, 2 cloves garlic smashed, 2 sprigs thyme, salt, pepper, lemon, sauteed greens.

How to make it: Pat the salmon very dry and season with salt. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high. Place salmon skin side down and press for 10 seconds. Cook 6 minutes without moving. Flip, add butter, garlic and thyme and baste 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with lemon and greens.